The Terrifying, Deadly Avalanche That Went Down In Utah History In 1926
Our most recent snowstorm brings much-needed water to the Beehive State, but new snow can also increase the danger of avalanches. The Utah Avalanche Center is currently reporting that the avalanche danger along the Wasatch Front is considerable.
More than 80 years ago, a devastating avalanche swept through a Utah town with disastrous results.
Because the canyon was so narrow, Bingham only had one street. Homes lined the street all the way up the canyon for seven miles. Unfortunately, this narrow topography would prove to be deadly in 1926.
A huge avalanche crashed down the canyon, burying everything in its wake. The avalanche destroyed 14 homes and a three-story boarding house.
This avalanche still holds the record as the most devastating avalanche in Utah history. The disaster made national news.
This avalanche still holds the record as the most devastating avalanche in Utah history. The disaster made national news.
39 people died that day, including a young boy who had been playing in his yard when the avalanche swept him away. Many others were injured, and 15 were hospitalized.
Due to the cold, people were huddled inside by their stoves that day. As the wall of snow and debris ripped through the homes, the stoves caught the rubble on fire, and many of the dead were burned beyond recognition.
The homes that took the brunt of the avalanche were reduced to splinters, and 25 families and 200 miners who were staying in boarding houses were left homeless.
Due to the cold, people were huddled inside by their stoves that day. As the wall of snow and debris ripped through the homes, the stoves caught the rubble on fire, and many of the dead were burned beyond recognition.
The homes that took the brunt of the avalanche were reduced to splinters, and 25 families and 200 miners who were staying in boarding houses were left homeless.
Had you heard about this horrific disaster? Here’s another Utah disaster that took many lives and devastated a small town.
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